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An exploratory study of physical activity across different adult groups

AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ACROSS DIFFERENT
ADULT GROUPS
by
Jian Li
A Dissertation Presented to the
FACULTY OF THE USC GRADUATE SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
(PSYCHOLOGY)
May 2010
Copyright 2010 Jian Li

Research in the area of physical activity has typically focused separately on internal variables within individuals and environmental variables where the choice of physical activity happens. The current research examined these influential factors simultaneously in an integrated framework. A sample of 1552 participants mainly consisting of students, staff and faculty at a private university in California was recruited. A wide range of physical activity level was observed and young participants showed higher level of physical activity than early-middle-age, late-middle-age and old participants. Exploratory structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis indicated self-efficacy exerted the strongest impact on physical activity across the four groups of participants. Social support consistently influenced physical activity through its effect on self-efficacy. The influence of physical environment got diluted as participants got older. Other variables including expected benefits from regular physical activity, knowledge and discounting process did not show a reliable influence on physical activity across the four groups. The models provided good model fits and explained 31% to 60% of the variance in physical activity across different groups of participants.

AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ACROSS DIFFERENT
ADULT GROUPS
by
Jian Li
A Dissertation Presented to the
FACULTY OF THE USC GRADUATE SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
(PSYCHOLOGY)
May 2010
Copyright 2010 Jian Li